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Science & Math (including Economics)

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Index of Listings by Category

See also:
Science presents itself in the supermarket through nutrition and chemical ingredients. As I got older, and my children approached their teen years, my eyesight worsened and their vo60 cabulary improved. They helped me do my marketing by reading the fine print on the labels, and became more aware of the nutritional content of foods. They found out what some of those preservatives and pesticides are and became motivated to shop for organic products. They helped to plan balanced meals.

Math at the supermarket is everywhere, since everything is numbered and priced. A child can make certain that the correct change is offered at the checkout counter. He or she can tally and estimate the contents of the shopping cart and help the family to stay within a budget. Offer your child his or her own shopping budget for their week’s snacks, and watch them price and compare and spend their money extra carefully. How to spend one’s own dollars is a more valued lesson than how to spend someone else’s. As a child matures, math becomes about looking at the bigger picture. How many cans can fit on the shelf in this aisle? How would you figure that out? How would you estimate? How much would it cost to stock a supermarket with food? How much money does a supermarket take in every hour? How would you find out? How would you estimate? As you drive home you can ask how much gas is used, how much the toll bridge takes collects every day, etc.
– Laurie Block Spigel, from Education Uncensored




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Science and Math (including Economics)

Check out WebRangers, the National Park Service’s site for kids of all ages. If you love our National Parks, Monuments and Historic Sites, this site is for you. Also visit Sam Maslow's Junior Ranger Website.

NYC

MN

  • Inwood Astronomy Project
  • BK

    QN

    BX

    SI


    Science and Math (including Economics): NYC

    World Science Festival

    The World Science Festival works to cultivate and sustain a general public informed by the content of science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future. Annual event in June.

    American Littoral Society (NYC)

    The American Littoral Society offers information about our coastlines and also organizes beach cleanups, field trips, etc.

    cSplash (NYC)

    cSplash, NYU's spin-off of MIT's Splash festival of math and science for high school students happens in spring at New York University's Courant Institute, 251 Mercer St, between 3rd and 4th streets, one block west of Broadway.

    Columbia Splash

    Columbia University hosts Columbia Splash in mid-November at their Morningside Heights campus. In 2013 it is on Saturday, November 16. This is similar to the NYU Splash event, but with less of an emphasis on mathematics The materials fee is $20 with fee waivers available.

    NY Academy of Sciences (NYC)

    The New York Academy of Sciences used to publish an awesome listing of city-wide educational science resources called "The Master Guide." Now you have to visit their website to get the info, with up-to-date listings in all five boroughs. You will find current programs, many free, and links to hundreds of educational math and science resources at their Science EduNet. You can search or browse for events and programs by interest, by age group, by season, and by type of event (for example: tutoring & mentoring, courses & workshops, field trips, classroom kits, etc). They also have a great list called Science & the City, which lists science events in the area and offers a free weekly email that gives you the best events of the week every Monday. NYAS is located at 7 World Trade Center, 250 Greenwich Street, 40th floor, New York, NY 10007-2157. (212) 298-8600.

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    NY Parks Nature Centers (NYC)

    There are 10 NY Parks Nature Centers throughout the five boroughs, serving as in-park community centers for public education, recreational activities and environmental studies. They have exhibits highlighting the diversity of the landscape, and an abundance of informational written material like trail maps, nature center brochures, and a newsletter listing walks, tours, and special events.

    NYC Parks Urban Park Ranger Tours (NYC)

    These used to be free, and many offerings still are. Recent city cutbacks have forced them to charge $100 for their tours and school groups (up to 30 kids) which is still a good value if divided among several families. See the website for the Urban Park Rangers and their “Natural Classroom”. Here you will find a long list of offerings in natural history and cultural history that can be geared to any age group Reservations can be made and visits arranged by calling 311 (or (212) NEW-YORK if calling from outside NY). Check out their explorer programs for a current calendar of free activities in all five boroughs, or call their hotline (866) NYC-HAWK for special events. Learn how to use a compass, paddle a canoe down the Bronx River, plant flowers in Brooklyn, rock climb in Manhattan, or trap turtles in Staten Island. Popular tours: Indian caves and trails in Inwood Park, the little Red Lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge in Fort Washington Park (see Social Studies: NY Parks Park Ranger Tours), ornithology at the Belvedere Castle, (212) 772-0210, in Central Park. Take a walk through the Bramble at feeding time -- dusk or dawn -- and listen! In summer, fish in the Harlem Meer pond (it’s catch and release). Leave a valid ID at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, located near 110th St. in a gorgeous site on the shores of the pond, in exchange for poles and bait. Call (212) 860-1370 for information about fishing, nature workshops and changing exhibits.

    Ranger Conservation Corps (NYC)

    The Ranger Conservation Corps in the Urban Park Rangers is an urban environmental internship for high school students. Students work on environmental restoration in Forever Wild sites located near six flagship nature centers. There are two sessions each year (fall and spring), each a total of 10 weeks, offered every school day afternoon from 4-6 p.m. Students attend one day a week. There are openings for 900 students, each year and all get Community Service Hours credit. Participants are given priority when applying for Parks Conservation Corps, a paid summer internship working outdoors. They also go on exciting field trips, including a trip to the Clearwater Sloop. Call 311 or (212) NEW-YORK if calling from outside NYC.

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    Computer Resource Centers (NYC)

    NYC Parks gives free computer instruction at 19 Computer Resource Centers citywide to all ages, with classes in word processing, graphic design, and Internet use. Classes are available for collaborative programming with homeschool groups for the school year starting in mid-September. Classes are free for youth 17 and under. Eighteen and up, see rates for membership. During afterschool, ages 14-17 can enroll in the RecYouth program. Instructors are all certified technology instructors with BA, MA/MFA. They do not offer college credit but can provide student evaluations and also offer internships for high school credit (1 credit for 8 hours per week per high school term). Contact Ana-Maria Campos, Director Computer Resource Centers, at Ana.Campos@parks.nyc.gov.

    Chess (NYC)

    NYC Parks and CSI (Chess-in-the-Schools) have an annual Chess-in-the-Parks Rapid Open at Bethesda Fountain. Call Ed Feldman at (212)360-8261 who is in charge of the chess program and welcomes inquiries. Year-round after-school programs at Lost Battalion Hall in Queens, (718) 263-2263 or (718) 263-4121, Pelham Fritz in northern Manhattan at W. 122nd St., (212) 860-1380, and Jerome Ave. in the Bronx, (718) 822-4271. Go to NYC Parks: Chess for more info or contact the Director of Teens at Parks at (212) 360-3312 for more information on this and other teen activities. (212) 360-3333 is a NYC park activities hotline.

    Green Guerillas (NYC)

    Community gardening projects are organized by the Green Guerillas (214 W. 29th St., fifth fl., (212) 402-1121), where they sponsor environmental internships for high school students and an art mural project for city youth.

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    Green Thumb (NYC)

    A calendar with classes in art, crafts, environmental science, and other free events, can be found at Green Thumb NYC or call (212) 788-8070.

    New York Sportfishing Federation (NYC)

    The New York Sportfishing Federation is dedicated to recreational angerls and has some kids' programs.

    Council on the Environment of NYC (NYC)

    The Council on the Environment of NYC hosts year-round, citywide events on ecology and the local environment. Visit the website or call (212) 788-7900 for their schedule.

    Monster Walks

    Monster Walks – find fantastic animals and other monstrous creatures adorning the cathedrals and buildings of Manhattan. This is a great walking trip for any age, in any season (weather permitting). Bring your camera or a sketch pad!

    “Wildman” Steve Brill (NYC)

    Study edible wild plants, nature and ecology with “Wildman” Steve Brill. Prescheduled tours in every borough cost $10/adult and $5/child under 12, but “Wildman” Steve’s flier offers a sliding scale and clearly states that no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Call (914) 835-2153 to reserve a space or visit www.wildmanstevebrill.com for a schedule and information. Be prompt, bring a shovel or large spoon and lots of small plastic bags. My son came home with enough wild edibles for two family-sized dinner salads!

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    Science and Math (including Economics): MN

    Amateur Astronomers Association (MN - BK - SI)

    The Amateur Astronomers Association of New York membership is $25 which allows free admission to all of their events, many of which are also free to the public including a series of night sky observations at NYC Park locations: Carl Schurz Park, Riverside Park and Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan; Cadman Plaza and Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn; Great Kills, Staten Island. You can find maps and schedules on their website. There is also an annual Urban Starfest, held in October in Central Park's Sheep Meadow. Members bring telescopes and binoculars through which anyone can look, and instruction on how to find objects in the night sky is provided.

    Other AAA offerings include:

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    New York Stock Exchange (MN)

    Free guided tours of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, Mon-Fri, every half hour from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. include a video and interactive displays. Call (212) 656-5168 or (212) 656-5165 at least one month advance reservation for groups. Recommended for grades 4-college. Watch trading activities from the viewing gallery. For more about the NYSE go to www.nyse.com.

    Federal Reserve Bank of New York (MN)

    The Federal Reserve Bank of New York ("the Fed") is located at 33 Liberty Street (between Nassau and William Streets). Walk-in visitors are welcome from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (except bank holidays). See their website for visitor information. Before you go, download the free teacher’s guides.

    Until the ANS (American Numismatics Society, see below) hall opens, their major exhibition is on view here, including the Brasher doubloon, the 1804 dollar, the Confederate States half-dollar, and the world's most valuable coin - the 1933 Double Eagle . Free hour-long tours are Monday - Friday, every hour (except lunch time) 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For security screening there is a metal detector so plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early with valid photo I.D., and leave your cameras and briefcases behind Students must be at least 16 years old or juniors in high school. One adult must accompany each group of nine students. Reservations must be made at least five business days in advance, but a month or more is advised for groups. Call (212) 720-6130 or email frbnytours@ny.frb.org. To request a one-hour lecture about the Federal Reserve System, usually following or preceding a tour, you must be a group of at least 15 people. Email your request at least four weeks in advance to frbnytours@ny.frb.org and indicate the size and type of group. Also at their website, free downloadable (pdf format) teaching materials for projects that you can do at home and lists of student programs and competitions that you can apply for (a group from NYCHEA can usually qualify as a school group). Click on Education and then on the grade level. Free programs for adults too!

    American Numismatic Society (MN)

    The American Numismatic Society (ANS), at 96 Fulton St. (corner of William) in lower Manhattan, has a free, self-guided tour of coins from around the world. Open Tues - Fri, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., (212) 571-4470. They also have a library and coin research collection open Tuesday - Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed 12 noon-1 p.m. Calling ahead to set an appointment is appreciated. Call (212) 571-4470 x 1501 or email: Campbell@numismatics.org. Admission is free, but a letter of reference and valid ID is required.

    Museum of American Financial History (MN)

    The Museum of American Financial History was housed in the old Standard Oil building, with a gallery displaying some of the greatest and worst days of American financial history. It has now relocated to to the site of the former headquarters of the Bank of New York at 48 Wall Street, tel: (212)908-4110 . Open Tues-Sat, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission: Adults $8; Students/seniors $5; Museum members and kids 6 and under FREE

    The Hudson River Project (MN)

    The Hudson River Project , on Pier 26, near N. Moore St., has self-guided tours in the field station where they conduct research, conservation projects, and hands-on education programs. Ask an intern for a guided tour and you will get one. Their marine biology internship program is popular with high school and college students, and they accept middle school students as well. An interview and a writing sample (could be a science report) are part of the application process, along with a $250 fee (usually for the summer or 50 hours). Scholarships are available. Call (212) 233-3030 and ask for the Director, Cathy Drew (email: cathy@riverproject.org).

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    cSplash at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences (MN)

    The NYU Courant Institute, 251 Mercer Street, holds a one-day event each spring with free courses in those subjects for kids with a math level of 9th-12th grade. This is modeled on the event at MIT called "Splash." See information.

    Eyebeam (MN)

    Eyebeam's After-School Digital Art Program offers free workshops every Thursday, 3-6 p.m. Workshops start at 4 p.m. Students can participate in a hands-on workshop, focusing on audio mixing and editing, video production, video game design, or other software based activities. Students who drop-in will then continue to work on skills learned, or other computer-based projects on following Thursdays.

    Participating students will have full supervised use of Eyebeam’s Mac lab, which includes: Apple Intel G5 computers loaded with software including Adobe’s Creative Suite, Final-Cut Pro, and more.

    Home schooled students are welcome to participate in the youth drop-in program as long as they are between the ages of 13–18. All students are strongly encouraged to RSVP via email or phone to: stephanie@eyebeam.org, 212-937-6580 x247

    Location: Eyebeam is located on 540 W 21st Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues, New York, NY 10011. Subway directions:Take the local C or E trains to 23rd Street and 8th Avenue

    GOALS for Girls

    FREE summer program at the Intrepid, Camp GOALS for Girls (only), entering 9th or 10th grade. 50 campers will experience hands-on activities and field studies focused in the fields of aviation, environmental science and engineering, marine science, fashion and science, medical science, and space/astronomy.

    Sony Wonder Technology Lab (MN)

    The Sony Wonder Technology Lab, at Madison Ave. & 56th St., is a free, hands-on, computer/technology funhouse. Interactive films and exhibits can provide an exhaustive day of free fun. For info call (212) 833-8100 or go to Plan a Visit. Great rainy day activity for K-6. It can get crowded, especially in summer and on school holidays, but you are not limited to same-day tickets. Reservations can be made one week to three months prior to your visit by calling (212) 833-5414 Tues. - Fri. between 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Free teachers workshops too, call (212) 833-7858, and check out their post-visit resources online.

    Bird-Watching in Central Park (MN)

    Central Park is a great place for bird-watching. You'll find almost 200 different species of birds during the year, residents and migratory visitors. See Bird-Watching on our Activities & Crafts page for tips and info.

    Central Park Zoo

    Central Park Zoo, Fifth Avenue and 64th Street in Central Park, is open 365 days a year. Admission: Adults: $6.00; Children (3-12): $1.00. There is a number of education programs for kids.

    The Falconry Extravaganza (MN)

    The Falconry Extravaganza is on a Saturday in mid- October, on the Great Lawn in Central Park. Witness falcons, hawks, and eagles in the largest live bird-of-prey demonstration in New York City and learn about the Ranger Wildlife Management program. (866) NYC-HAWK.

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    American Museum of Natural History (MN)

    The American Museum of Natural History has free science classes and internship opportunities for high school students in fields such as marine biology, astrophysics, and anthropology. Classes are offered weekday afternoons from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., in 5-week sessions, throughout the year. Attending summer orientations allow students to get their first choice of subject. For info email hssrp@amnh.org or call (212) 769-5906. Also, free with the price of admission (suggested donation), there are hands-on activities for kids (such as their Discovery Room full of games and activities for ages 4-12), and gallery talks. Visit their education page to download free educational materials (click on resources for learning) for their exhibits. Call (212) 769-5100 for current exhibitions, (212) 769-5304 for their education department; the main number is (212) 769-5200.

    Columbia University Science Honors Program (MN)

    Free science courses for tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders, Saturday mornings throughout the school year, in this highly selective program taught by research scientists at Columbia University. For information go to their website.

    Inwood Astronomy Project (MN)

    The Inwood Astronomy Project works to encourage local interest in astronomy and star-gazing.

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    Science and Math (including Economics): BK

    See also Amateur Astronomers Assoc.

    Bird-watching in Prospect Park (BK)

    The Brooklyn Bird Club offers info on bird-watching in Prospect Park, including a park map. And the Audubon Center in Prospect Park, at the Boathouse, offers kids the use of telescopes for bird-watching. The website has lists of birds and bird puzzles.

    Brooklyn Children's Museum

    The Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue Brooklyn, (718) 735-4400, admission $4 per person. Closed Mondays and Tuesday afternoons. Special hours for kids under 5. Natural science, plants and animals. Virtual collectins online.

    Brooklyn Commons

    The Brooklyn Commons, 388 Atlantic Ave. (between Hoyt and Bond St.), has an open exchange of activities and classes. Many have suggested fees (such as a lecture on pollution), others charge a fee (such as a weekend course on beekeeping or a nine-session course on medicinal herbs), and the afternoon game club, for ages 7 to adult, is free. There may also be rental space at affordable rates.

    Brooklyn Flea new

    The Brooklyn Flea is at 180 Seventh Avenue, Park Slope, PS 321, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3pm. Free educational activities for kids including: mini-book-writing workshops by 826NYC, dance lessons by Mark Morris Dance Center, physics experiments by Carmelo the Science Fellow, recitals by Brooklyn Conservatory of Music students, and filmmaking by Reel Works. See the full schedule.

    Brooklyn Strategist

    The Brooklyn Strategist is a board- and card-game social club that meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, from 3-6 pm, at the Brooklyn Commons (http://thecommonsbrooklyn.org/), 388 Atlantic Ave. (between Hoyt and Bond St.). For ages 7+, tweens, teens, and adults, games teach math, strategy, history, social studies, communication, and encourage multigenerational interaction. These games all require face-to-face interaction. There are no computer or digital games of any kind. The club has a huge inventory of board and card games (many out-of-print). If you want to play a favorite game or learn a new one but don’t have someone to play with, The Brooklyn Strategist will find partners for you to share the experience. In 2011 six modules are offered: Ancient Strategy Games?; Civilization and Empire Building; Word, Cryptology and Trivia Games?; Sporting Games; History of Conflict?; Card Games. For more information: (646) 470-3556, info@thebrooklynstrategist.com.

    Coastal Classroom (BK) new

    Coastal Classroom — Teens can “get their feet wet” in some of New York’s coastal hot spots while studying New York City’s dynamic aquatic ecosystem.

    New York Aquarium

    The New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, is the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States, having opened in Castle Garden in Battery Park, Manhattan in 1896. Since 1957, it has been located on the boardwalk in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

    The facility occupies 14 acres and boasts over 350 species of aquatic wildlife. Its mission is to raise public awareness about issues facing the ocean and its inhabitants with special exhibits, public events and research. At the Aquarium’s Osborn Laboratories of Marine Sciences (OLMS), several studies were conducted investigating such topics as dolphin cognition, satellite tagging of sharks, and coral reefs.

    As of March 2013, the aquarium, which was hard hit by super storm Sandy, is closed but expects a partial reopening in late spring.

    Brooklyn Public Library Programs

    The various branches of the Brooklyn Public Library run a number of programs for Kids, Teens, and Parents. All programs are FREE.

    Urban Divers (BK)

    The Urban Divers hosts annual family events about local ecology and marine science. Gowanus Canal (Brooklyn) cleanup celebrations every Earth Day in April and Oktoberfest in October have free marine activities, education, boating, refreshments. Volunteer and internship opportunities. For more info email urbandivers@planetmail.com or call (718) 802-9874.

    Macy’s Annual Fishing Contest (BK)

    Macy’s Annual Fishing Contest is in mid-July, held at the lakeside of Wollman Center in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, for kids 14 and under. Call (718) 965-6975, the special events office in Prospect Park.

    Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BK)

    The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has ongoing family workshops called Discovery Programs designed for the pre-K-4 level, ages 3 - 10, Tuesday afternoons 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. and other days as well. Check out their schedule. Free with the price of admission. Call (718) 623-7324 for info. Also self-guided tours, and internships or volunteer positions for high school and college-age students. (718) 623-7200 is their main number.

    Prospect Park Zoo

    Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, (718) 399-7339.. Open 365 days a year. Adults: $5.00; Children (3-12): $1.00; Children under 3 years: free. Includes a Discovery Center, a hands-on space includes numerous activity areas. All visits include a live animal encounter and 30 minute exploration of the center. Visits to the Discovery Center must be booked in advance and spaces are limited. Call (718) 399-7327 or email ppzeducation@wcs.org to register.

    Science and Math (including Economics) : QN

    Coastal Classroom (BK) new

    Coastal Classroom — Teens can “get their feet wet” in some of New York’s coastal hot spots while studying New York City’s dynamic aquatic ecosystem.

    Family Summer Camping (QN)

    Friday and Saturday nights in July and August, Family Camping in Alley Pond Park in Queens with the Urban Park Rangers is a wonderful get-away without actually being away. One parent's comments: I learned more about nature and the park in one camping trip than I did in my all years of going to the park everyday when I used to live right across the street from it. We saw all kinds of plants, and wildlife including raccoons, crayfish, and bats, went into a fort that was built for the War of 1812, walked the same trail that George Washington traveled, learned about how schist rock supports our skyscraper city because it's the hardest rock in the world, and about how the oldest structure in the park was built without mortar, yet still needs less maintenance than all other structures in the park, and etc., etc... Plus, we had a lot of fun!

    Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge (QN)

    The Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge has over 9,000 acres of diverse habitats, including salt marsh, upland field and woods, fresh and brackish water ponds, and an open expanse of bay and islands. It is a prime birding spot where thousands of water, land and shorebirds stop during migration. During the spring and late summer, it's possible to see over a hundred types of birds, including the wonderfully named Lesser Yellowlegs. Animals sighted here include: raptors, opossum, bats, jackrabbits, muskrats (the last mink was sighted in 1974), chipmunk, reptiles, turtles, snakes. -- a great place to observe wildlife. Stop at the visitor center to get your free visitor’s permit and find maps, guides, trail brochures, and a display room, also interpretive talks and nature walks year-round. Educational programs can be designed for your group, free or at a reasonable cost. Call (718) 318-4340 or visit their website .

    MedStart Enrichment Program (QN)

    The MedStart Enrichment Program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Whitestone, Queens, is a free pre-med summer program for middle schoolers. It is designed for middle-school students (6-8th grades) who are interested in science and medicine or who would benefit from a more interactive approach to learning. Each summer, they hold a one-week "mini-medical school" camp that is completely FREE to participants — MetroCards, lunch, t-shirts, BLS certification and trophies are all provided without any cost to students who are accepted to the program. The 2013 MedStart summer camp runs from August 19th to August 23rd, 2013. For further information and an application, visit their website. Other free educational events occur during the year on select Saturdays, such as Neurology Day in mid-March and DASH Day (Drugs, Alcohol and Sexual Health ) in mid-April.

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    New York Hall of Science (QN)

    the New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. (718) 699-0005. Closed Monday, Tuesday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (free 2 - 5 p.m.), Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (free Sunday 10 - 11 a.m.). Adults: (age 18 & over) $11, Children: (2 - 17, college w/ID) $8, Senior Citizens: (age 62 & over) $8. Science Playground fee: $3 per person, $2 for groups, plus general Hall admission fee (free to Family Plus Members and higher). The Science Playground is open to children of all ages with adult supervision, March - December, weather permitting. They offer science kits for only $5 for museum members (their membership gets you into other museums around the country). The Hall of Science lab area is a great place where you can plunk down for an hour and do experiments.

    Queens Botanical Garden (QN)

    The Queens Botanical Garden has free self-guided tours. Call (718) 886-3800 for info, ask for Terice Anthony.

    Queens Zoo (QN)

    Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St. in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, (718) 271-1500. Open 365 days a year.Adults: $5.00; Children (3-12): $1.00; Children under 3 years free. Theater program, guided tours, and more.

    SEMAA (QN)

    SEMAA — sponsored by NASA — science, engineering, math and aerospace education - FREE one-week program for 1st – 7th graders, including a free lunch. 9 am – 12:30 pm Monday – Friday, with three sessions to choose from. This is a free half day, week long science camp sponsored by NASA at York College (about a 10 minute walk from the last e train stop in Jamaica). Recommended by homeschoolers!

    Science and Math (including Economics): BX

    Bronx River Alliance

    The Bronx River Alliance serves as a coordinated voice for the river and works in harmonious partnership to protect, improve and restore the Bronx River corridor and greenway so that they can be healthy ecological, recreational, educational and economic resources for the communities through which the river flows.

    Bronx Zoo (BX)

    The Bronx Zoo (free or “suggested donation” on Wednesdays) has school tours and workshops that are free with admission. Call (718) 367-1010 or visit their website or that of the The Wildlife Conservation Society.

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    Dreamyard Arts Center (BX)

    Dreamyard, 1085 Washington Ave., Ground Floor Bronx, NY 10456, offers FREE SAT classes for high school students For more info, contact atorres@dreamyard.com.

    New York Botanical Garden (BX)

    The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx has family gardening workshops, in the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, that attract a host of local homeschoolers in the summer. They charge what many consider affordable rates, and encourage those in need to request scholarships. Call (718) 817-8700 or visit their website. For scholarship info, or to enroll in their free training program for adult volunteers, call (718) 817-8126. Call (718) 817-8181 about Family Garden Adventures.

    Wave Hill (BX)

    Wave Hill in Riverdale (the Bronx) has a popular summer dance performance program and lots of hands-on nature activities for kids. They charge for these attractions, but offer free self-guided tours. Call (718) 549-3200, ext. 230, Courteny White, to find out about educational programs for Pre-K - 12, or visit their website.

    Wave Hill also offers teen internships for the summer, some of which include college credits. You might learn how to prune trees or tend the Wave Hill gardens. See details and application forms.

    Science and Math (including Economics) : SI

    See Amateur Astronomers Assoc.

    Clay Pit Ponds Preserve (SI)

    Clay Pit Ponds Preserve, a 250 acre natural area on the southwest shore of Staten Island, offers free year-round nature-related programs, including guided and self-guided nature walks, pond ecology, bird watching, tree and wildflower identification, and nature-related arts and crafts. School programs are available for ages 3 - adult and on such subjects as, "Tuning In" to the natural environment; Plant and Animal Adaptations; Geological Processes that created the clays and sands of the area; Discovery of Life and more. For info call (718) 967-1976 or visit their website.

    Blue Heron Park (SI)

    Blue Heron Park in Staten Island sponsors a bird-banding program run by Howie Fisher that meets weekends throughout NYC. Call (718) 967-5815. The Friends of Blue Heron Park also have a schedule of programs.

    Astrophysical Observatory (SI)

    Observations at the Astrophysical Observatory at the College of Staten Island are free to the public ($3 suggested donation). See the schedule on their website, where seasonal highlights are noted.

    Greenbelt Nature Center (SI)

    The Greenbelt Nature Center is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, April through December. Located at the intersection of Brielle and Rockland avenues, the center, which is free and open to all, offers access to the hiking trail system, and a variety of programs and educational opportunities.

    Staten Island Botanic Garden(SI)

    The Staten Island Botanic Garden is part of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center at 1000 Richmond Terrace, which was a 19th century home for retired seamen and is now a regional arts center housing myriad museum and arts programs as well as an active Artist-in-Residence program. There are several beautiful gardens all serving different purposes for the community.(718) 448-2500

    Staten Island Museum

    (Staten Island Institute of Arts & Sciences.) The Staten Island Museum is two blocks from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal at 75 Stuyvesant Place, (718) 727-1135. Tues - Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission Adults: $2.00; Children: $1.00. They offer some great workshops and programs.

    Staten Island Children's Museum

    The Staten Island Children's Museum is at 1000 Richmond Terrace, on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center. (718) 273-2060. Open Sat - Sun 10 am. - 5 p.m.; Tues - Fri 12noon - 5 p.m. Admission $5. Programs free unless otherwise noted.

    Staten Island Zoo

    The Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway, (718) 442-3100. Open daily 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Admission: $7.00 for adults; $4.00 for children (3-14); free for children under 3. Exhibits include African Savannah, aquarium, tropical forest, and Children's Center with farm animals.

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